Method and device for winding reinforcing threads for producing tubular bodies of reinforced synthetic resin

ABSTRACT

Method and device for winding parallel layers of threads or filaments on a mandrel driven in rotation for producing a tubular body of reinforced synthetic resin. The method employs a thread guide comb. The width of the layer of threads is varied by modifying the angle of orientation of the comb relative to the axis of the mandrel.

United States Patent Lang [54] METHOD AND DEVICE FOR WINDING REINFORCINGTHREADS FOR PRODUCING TUBULAR BODIES OF REINFORCED SYNTHETIC RESIN [72]Inventor: Georges F. Lang, Nancy, France [73] Assignee: Centre deRecherches de Pont-A- Mousson, Maidieres, Pont-A-Mousson, France [22]Filed: July 28, 1969 [21] App]. No.: 845,282

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data July 29, 1968 France ..160934[52] US. Cl. ..242/7.23, 156/180, 156/446, 242/158 B [51] Int. Cl...B65h 81/06 [58] Field of Search ..242/7.02, 7.22, 7.21, 7.23, 242/158B, 158 R; 156/180, 189, 172, 173, 184, 429, 446, 431; 28/37 51 Jan. 1973[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,972,796 2/1961 Block..242/ 158 R X 3,146,962 9/1964 Hardwick ..242/7.2l X 3,201,298 8/1965Baker et a1. 156/431 3,363,849 1/1968 McLarty ..242/7.2l

Primary Examiner-Billy S. Taylor Attorney-J. Delattre-Seguy [57]ABSTRACT Method and device for winding parallel layers of threads orfilaments on a mandrel driven in rotation for producing a tubular bodyof reinforced synthetic resin. The method employs a thread guide comb.The width of the layer of threads is varied by modifying the angle oforientation of the comb relative to the axis of the mandrel.

5 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures Hllll minim 2 ma 3708132 SHEET 1- BF 5INVENTDR I ws g y PATENTEDJAM 2 157a SHEET 2 OF 5 0 T WN 3% Y w u lm wMETHOD AND DEVICE FOR WINDING REINEORCING THREADS FOR PRODUCING TUBULARBODIES OF REINFORCED SYNTI-[E'IIC RESIN The present invention relates tothe production of tubular bodies of synthetic resin reinforced withglass fibers or the like and more particularly fibers united intoparallel threads or filaments constituting layers.

The production method consisting in helically winding on a mandrel, alayer or web of reinforcing threads or filaments at a predeterminedwinding angle relative to the winding axis, is known. The winding angle,which I between the teeth of which the layers are uniformly distributed.This comb is fixed so as to be parallel to the axis of the mandrel. Thewidth 1 of the layer thus produced is given by the formula l= ne sin x,in which x is the winding or laying angle, e the space between twoconsecutive teeth of the comb and n the number of intervals occupied bythe threads, the number of threads being therefore equal to'n 1.

According to this known technique, as the winding angle x depends on therequired mechanical characteristics of the manufactured pipe, the width1 of the layer is governed by the number n of intervals. Each time it isdesired to modify the width of the layer of threads, for example whenchanging the diameter of the pipe to be manufactured, it is thereforenecessary to modify the regulation of the threads, that is, theirpositioning on the guide comb.

In particular, the known technique does not permit of a continuousvariation of the width of the layer of threads during the winding, whichvariation could be necessary, for example when it is desired to changethe magnitude of the winding angle in the course of manufacture or whenthe body of the tubular body to be I manufactured does not have aconstant diameter.

} said method being so improved as to permit of a much easier regulationof the width of, the winding layer by the separate control of this widthand of the number of threads contained in this layer. This method is ofthe I type in which a thread guide comb is employed and comprisesvarying the width of the layer of threads or filaments by varying theorientation of the guide comb relative to the axis of the mandrel.

ln this method, the width 1 of the layer is given by the formula I nesin (x-y) in which y is the angle of orientation of the comb relative tothe winding axis.

In this method, if the winding angle x is assumed to be constant, thereare two parameters for modifying the width 1 instead of a singleparameter as in the known technique, namely the parameter n of thenumber of intervals employed, as in the known technique, and the angle yof the orientation of the comb. In practice, merely the regulation ofthe angle of inclination y of the comb relative to the axis of themandrel could be employed and it is even possible to continuously varythis angle y in the course of the movement of the carriage, that is, inthe course of winding. The method according to the invention thereforeenables the width of the layer to be varied in a continuous manner bycontrolling the angle of orientation of the comb by the position of thecarriage along the mandrel, for example in the manufacture of tubularproducts having a diameter which varies.

In other words, if the winding angle x and the. number of teethintervals of the comb occupied by the threads are assumed to beconstant, the method according to the invention enables an infinitenumber of layer widths to be produced up to the maximum value ne sin x,whereas the known method enables only a single width, equal to ne sin1:, to be produced.

It will be understood that when it is desired to modify the windingangle x to satisfy different requirements of the mechanicalcharacteristics of the tubular body, a corresponding change in the widthof the layer is also necessary. This is easily achieved by means of themethod of the invention employing an orientable comb.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for windingparallel layers of reinforcement threads or filaments on a mandreldriven in rotation about a fixed axis by means of a thread guide combmounted on a carriage which is movable in translation in a directionparallel to the axis of the mandrel, so as to produce tubuiar bodies ofreinforced synthetic resin, said comb being pivotable about a pincarried by the carriage and orthogonal to the axis of the mandrel.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent fromthe ensuing; description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic elevational view of the deviceaccording to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a corresponding plan view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the orientable comb of thedevice according to the invention and of the elements which are directlycombined therewith; V 7

FIGS. 4-8 are diagrammatic views illustrating the various stages of thewinding procedure, the comb 'being shown in plan, and

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic elevational view of a modification of thedevice according to the invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the invention is shown applied tothe'production' of pipes of synthetic resin reinforced with threads orfilaments of filaments 4 supplied by reels 5 in such manner as to windthem in parallel relation to each other on the mandrel in the form of alayer N. 1

According to the invention, instead of being fixed to the carriage 2parallel to the axis XX, the comb 3 is mounted on a pivot 6 having anaxis Z-Z which is orthogonal to the axis XX. A crank 7 is fixed to thepivot 6 in such manner as to rotate therewith in a plane parallel to thehorizontal table of the carriage 2, that is, in a plane perpendicular tothe axis of the pivot. The crank 7 is extended by an indexing arm 8 orindex adapted to cooperate with abutments for limiting the angularmovements of the crank 7 and pivot 6 and therefore of the comb 3.

Secured to the table of the carriage 2 is a graduated circular sector orprotractor 9 which is concentric with the crank 7 and pivot 6. Slidableon this protractor 9 are two adjustable angular abutments 10 whichcooperate with the arm 8 so as to limit the value y of its angulartravel, the angle y having its apex on the axis of the pivot of the comband, as its sides, the comb and a segment YY parallel to the axis XXintersecting the pivot 6, this angle being counted positively when it islocated, for example as shown, adjacent the axis X- X relative to thisparallel segment YY and negatively when it is located on the other sideof said segment.

The crank 7 is pivoted to the end of a lever constituting shifting meansfor pivoting the crank and comb, this lever being, in thepresently-described embodiment,

the rod 11 of a jack 12 mounted on the carriage 2.

The comb 3 is thus rotatable between two extreme angular positionsdefined by the two abutments 10 adjustable on the protractor 9.

A pair of withdrawable median abutments 13 are also provided for lockingthe arm 8 and the comb 3 in a mid-way position parallel to the axis XXon the segment YY. Each of these abutments 13 is separately movable by ajack 14. When an abutment 13 withdraws, it clears the path of the arm 8and allows the comb 3 to pivot to the corresponding abutment 10.

On the other hand, when the two abutments 13 are drawn out to themaximum extent, they trap the arm 8 in the locking position on thesegment YY.

The devices controlling the alternating movements of the carriage 2 canbe of any type. For example, they can be arranged in the followingmanner The carriage 2 is driven in translation by means of a verticalslide 15 (FIG. 1) in which is slidable a lug or pin 16 integral with anendless chain 17 held taut between two sprocket wheels 18 and 19. Thecenter distance between these wheels, plus their diameter, correspondsto the length of the mandrel 1, that is, the travel of the carriage 2.The wheel 19 is driven in rotation in the direction of arrow f by anelectric motorspeed reducer unit 20.

The jack 12 which controls the angular movement of the comb 3 iscontrolled in the following manner The compressed fluid is supplied tothis jack through conduits 21 and 22 and a slide valve 23 which isadapted to connect each of these conduits 21 and 22 alternatively eitherto a supply conduit 24 supplying fluid under pressure from a pump orother source-or to a discharge conduit 25. The valve 23 is symbolicallyrepresented by the two positions that its slide can occupy, eachposition corresponding to the supplying of fluid under pressure to oneof the conduits and to the connection to the discharge of the otherconduit. This valve is actuated by an electromagnet 26 controlled byrelay contacts a,, b,, q, d, described hereinafter.

The pairs of contacts a,, b b b 0,, c and d d pertaining to theelectromagnetically operated valve 23 or 31 are the contacts ofelectromagnetic relays whose windings (each of which windings are commonto the two contacts a,, a or b b are themselves supplied with voltagethrough contacts A, B, C, D located in the vicinity of the ends of theupper and lower chain spans of the endless chain 17 at diametrallyopposed points relative to the sprocket wheels 18, 19. The electriccontacts A, B, C, D are connected through electric contacts 33 to thewindings of the relays controlling the contacts a a,, b b,... whichcontrol the closure of the circuits 34 of the electromagnets 26, 32. Thecontacts A, B, C, D are, in the presently-described embodiment, assumedto be normally open and are closed upon the passage of a contact stud orroller which moves with the carriage 2. In the presently-describedembodiment, they are actuated by the pin 16. When they are supplied withcurrent, the relays serve to maintain the corresponding contacts a,, aor b b closed until a maintenance circuit (not shown) is opened by theclosure of the following contact by the pin 16, in the known manner.

Thus the contact A closed by the pin 16 results in the closure of thecontacts a,, a The latters are maintained in the closed position by amaintenance circuit (not shown) when the contact A is once more openedafter the passage of the pin 16. The maintenance circuit is opened bythe closure of the following contact B by the pin. The closure of thecontact B also has for effect to close the corresponding contacts b bwhich are.

maintained closed until the following contact C is in turn closed and soon.

The following table I gives the orientation of the comb 3 after eachcontact A, B, C, D has been closed. It is understood that theelectromagnets 26 and 32 remain supplied with current through the relaysand maintenance circuits (not shown) after the passage of the pin 16over one of the contacts A, B,C,D to the following contact. In the boxespertaining to the conduits 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 and 30, the sign indicatesthat the conduit is supplied with fluid under pressure, the signindicates that the conduit is connected to the discharge.

The device operates in the following manner Assuming that a layer N ofthreads or filaments 4 coated with synthefic resin are to be wound ontoa mandrel l for producing a pipe of reinforced plastics material. Thesynthetic resin for impregnating the threads 4 of the layer N issupplied by means of any known type, for example a trough or channel 35(FIG. 2) or brushes.

At the start (FIG. 4), the comb 3 is oriented to be parallel to the axisXX and the threads 4 introduced between the teeth of this comb form alayer N having a width L which is disposed at 90 to the axis XX. Theends of the threads of this layer are, for example, stuck to themandrel 1. This mandrel is driven in rotation in the direction of arrowj, while the carriage 2 is stationary. Thus, an orthogonal winding ofseveral layers of the width L, is obtained.

As soon as the carriage 2 is moved in translation in the direction ofthe arrow j, the abutment 13 which is on the side of axis XX withrespect to the segment Y -Y is withdrawn and clears the index 8. Thecomb 3 turns through an angle +y by the actuating of the jack 12 (FIGS.2 and 5) and the index8 abuts against the abutment 10 mounted on theside of the axis X-X (FIG. 2). As movement in translation of carriage 2proceeds and due to the flexibility of the threads 4, the layer N willbe inclined in a spiral line with an angle at with respect to the axisXX and winding proceeds along the mandrel l with this inclination and awidth 1 which is less than L. It is to be noted that, while the windingangle x of the layer N on the mandrel 1 depends only on the relation ofthe rotation speed of the mandrel 1 and the speed of movement intranslation of the carriage 2, the width 1 of the layer employing allthe teeth of the comb 3, is only a function of the inclination angle yof the comb 3 with respect to the axis of the mandrel (FIG. 5).

When the carriage 2 arrives at the other end of the mandrel 1, the jack12 resets the comb 3 in its position parallel to the axis XX (FIG. 6)and the abutments l3 lock the index 8 in this position according to thesegment YY. After the stopping of the carriage 2 and after some rotationof the mandrel 1, an orthogonal winding of the layer N (FIG. 6) isobtained.

In order to realize another layer of winding over the first one with aninclination angle x, the comb 3 is turned in the other direction overthe angle y (FIG. 7) by the jack 12. At the same time, the carriage ismoved in the direction of the arrow 1''; the relations between therotation speed of the mandrel 1 and the translation speed of thecarriage 2 being equal in both directions of movement along the mandrel1, the inclination angle of layer N with respect to the winding axis XXis equal in both directions, but of opposed sign (x).

In moving the carriage in the direction of the arrow f, a second layer Nis wound in a spiral line on the mandrel 1 and intersects the firstlayer (FIG. 7).

At the end of the course of the carriage 2 in the direction of the arrowf, the comb 3 is returned in the angular position parallel to the axisXX and the index 8 is blocked by means of the abutments 13 in thatposition, after withdrawal of one of the abutments 13 which positionsthe index 8 in an appropriated manner, this abutment 13 being extendedin order to block the index While the mandrel continues to rotate thecarriage 2 stops, whereby the winding arrives at the end of the mandrel,the further layer being directed at an angle of 90 with respect to theaxis XX (FIG. 8). After rotation of the mandrel, the carriage is againmoved in translation in the direction of the arrow f and simultaneously,the comb is returned in its position of FIG. 5.

The main advantages of the device are the following Owing to thepivoting of the comb 3, it is possible to regulate the width 1 of thelayers of threads by a simple adjustment of the abutments 10 whichdetermine the angle of orientation y of the comb but still employ thesame number of threads and the same numberof teeth of the comb, that is,preferably all the teeth of the comb. Depending on the angle y oforientation of the comb 3 relative to the axis XX, the width l of thelayer is reduced and its thickness increased or its width increased byspreading the layer while its thickness is decreased. However, it isalso possible to vary a second factor, namely that of the number ofthreads employed in a given layer and consequently employ all or onlysome of the teeth of the comb. But it will be understood that it is theadjustment of the orientation of the comb which is the easiest andquickest for modifying the width of the layer of threads.

Note moreover that the ends of the pipes produced with the orientablecomb according to the invention, all of the teeth of which can be used,do not have large excess thicknesses of threads since the layer ofwinding at is at maximum width L corresponding to the entire length ofthe comb. The layer of winding is thus spread out and thin. On the otherhand, if the same work is to be carried out with a fixed comb having thesame length as the orientable comb, it is necessary to adjust the widthof the layer to be wound at the same angle x as before in employing anappropriate number of comb teeth intervals or gaps and consequently notemploy all the teeth of this comb. Consequently, the end windings at 90have a maximum width less than that obtained with an orientable combsince it is less than the length of the comb. Thus, with a fixed comb,the end windings have greater thicknesses than with an orientable combpertaining to the same number of threads.

When the width of the layer must vary in a continuous manner in thecourse of the winding operation, either because the diameter of thetubular body to be produced varies continuously or because the windingangle varies continuously, the orientation of the comb 3 can also varycontinuously, for example, owing to a device controlled by the travel ofthe carriage carrying the comb.

In this case (FIG. 9), the pivot of the comb 3 can be integral forexample with a gear wheel 36 which is driven in rotation in eitherdirection by a commercially available suitable control device 37, ofknown type. This device 37 is connected by electric conductors 38 torelay contacts A, B, C, D,E,F,G,.H arranged at various points of thetravel of the carriage where the orientatiori of the comb 3 must bevaried.

This modification is applicable to the manufacture of non-cylindricalbodies of revolution having a varying section. In this case, the windingmandrel 1 can be, for example, inflatable and deflatable for strippingthe body formed.

Cams can also be used in the control of the orientation of the comb bythe movement of the carriage.

The arm or index 8 can have a round or spherical shape.

The two withdrawable abutments 13 and their corresponding jacks 14 canbe replaced by a single abutment, for example, having a V shape which isalso withdrawable by means of a single jack.

Having now described my invention what I claim and desire to secure byLetters Patent is:

1. A method for winding a layer of parallel reinforcement threads orfilaments from thread or filament supply means onto a mandrel driven inrotation about an axis for producing a tubular body of reinforcedsynthetic resin, said layer having a longitudinal axis at a windingangle to said mandrel axis, comprising guiding said threads or filamentsby a thread guide comb, reciprocating said guide comb in a directionparallel to said mandrel axis and varying the width of said layer ofthreads or filaments independently of said winding angle by modifyingthe angle of orientation of said comb relative to said axis of saidlayer, said layer being laid at maximum width at ends of said tubularbody by winding said layer at an angle of 90 relative to the axis ofrotation of said mandrel and disposing said comb at 90 to said layeraxis, and decreasing the width of said winding layer between said endsby inclining said comb relative to said layer axis at an angle otherthan 90.

2. In a device for winding a layer of parallel threads or filaments on amandrel, means for driving said mandrel in rotation about a fixed axis,thread or filament supply means, a guide comb for said threads orfilaments, said layer between said mandrel and said comb having alongitudinal axis at a winding angle to said mandrel axis, a carriagecombined with means for reciprocating said carriage in a directionparallel to said mandrel axis, said comb being mounted on said carriageto be pivotable about a pivot axis orthogonal to said axis of saidmandrel between a first extreme position and a second extreme positionwhich are on each side of a mid-way position in which said comb isparallel to said axis of said mandrel, a crank connected to said comb topivot with said comb about said pivot axis, an arm integral with saidcrank, two adjustable angular travel limiting abutments for said armdefining said first and second extreme positions of said guide comb,locking means co-operative with said arm for maintaining said arm in aposition in which said guide comb is in said mid-way position and meansfor rendering said locking means selectively operative and inoperativein synchronism with reciprocation of said carriage, and shifting meanscombined with said crank for pivoting said comb between said mid--wayposition and said first extreme position in one direction ofreciprocation of said carriage and between said midway position and saidsecond extreme position in an opposite direction of reciprocation ofsaid carriage in synchronism with said reciprocation of said carriage.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said locking means iswithdrawable.

4. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said locking means comprisesa pair of withdrawable abutments and jacks operatively connected to saidabutments, said pair of abutments being capable of trapping said arm ofsaid crank and said jacks being operative in synchronism withreciprocation of said carriage.

5. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said withdrawable lockingmeans comprises a single V- shaped abutment.

1. A method for winding a layer of parallel reinforcement threads orfilaments from thread or filament supply means onto a mandrel driven inrotation about an axis for producing a tubular body of reinforcedsynthetic resin, said layer having a longitudinal axis at a windingangle to said mandrel axis, comprising guiding said threads or filamentsby a thread guide comb, reciprocating said guide comb in a directionparallel to said mandrel axis and varying the width of said layer ofthreads or filaments independently of said winding angle by modifyingthe angle of orientation of said comb relative to said axis of saidlayer, said layer being laid at maximum width at ends of said tubularbody by winding said layer at an angle of 90* relative to the axis ofrotation of said mandrel and disposing said comb at 90* to said layeraxis, and decreasing the width of said winding layer between said endsby inclining said comb relative to said layer axis at an angle otherthan 90*.
 2. In a device for winding a layer of parallel threads orfilaments on a mandrel, means for driving said mandrel in rotation abouta fixed axis, thread or filament supply means, a guide comb for saidthreads or filaments, said layer between said mandrel and said combhaving a longitudinal axis at a winding angle to said mandrel axis, acarriage combined with means for reciprocating said carriage in adirection parallel to said mandrel axis, said comb being mounted on saidcarriage to be pivotable about a pivot axis orthogonal to said axis ofsaid mandrel between a first extreme position and a second extremeposition which are on each side of a mid-way position in which said combis parallel to said axis of said mandrel, a crank connected to said combto pivot with said comb about said pivot axis, an arm integral with saidcrank, two adjustable angular travel limiting abutments for said armdefining said first and second extreme positions of said guide comb,locking means co-operative with said arm for maintaining said arm in aposition in which said guide comb is in said mid-way position and meansfor rendering said locking means selectively operative and inoperativein synchronism with reciprocation of said carriage, and shifting meanscombined with said crank for pivoting said comb between said mid--wayposition and said first extreme position in one direction ofreciprocation of said carriage and between said mid-way position andsaid second extreme position in an opposite direction of reciprocationof said carriage in synchronism with said reciprocation of saidcarriage.
 3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said locking meansis withdrawable.
 4. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said lockingmeans comprises a pair of withdrawable abutments and jacks operativelyconnected to said abutments, said pair of abutments being capable oftrapping said arm of said crank and said jacks being operative insynchronism with reciprocation of said carriage.
 5. A device as claimedin claim 3, wherein said withdrawable locking means comprises a singleV-shaped abutment.